Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo stands as one of Australia’s most iconic open-range zoological parks, offering a rare fusion of wildlife conservation, immersive safari experiences, and pioneering sustainability. Situated in the heart of regional New South Wales, this 300-hectare sanctuary provides a world-class stage for endangered species and wild encounters, drawing over 230,000 visitors annually. With wide savannahs, tranquil waterways, and cycling paths winding through natural habitats, it is no surprise that this zoo has consistently ranked among the top animal attractions in the Southern Hemisphere, including recognition from Australian Traveller.
More than just a zoo, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo operates as a vital conservation hub. Behind the scenes, it houses cutting-edge veterinary facilities, breeding centers for critically endangered species like the Przewalski’s horse and the Tasmanian devil, and participates in over 60 global conservation programs. Visitors can witness wildlife in a setting that closely mimics their native habitats—lions lounging under acacia trees, giraffes ambling beside the trail, and cheetahs showcasing their speed during daily demonstrations. Initiatives like the “Roar & Snore” overnight experience invite guests to stay in eco-lodges within earshot of lion calls, making for an unforgettable stay in partnership with Visit NSW.
What makes this zoo even more compelling is its approach to education and community. Interactive exhibits such as the meerkat domes, the lemur walk-through, and the wildlife hospital observation deck provide hands-on learning for children and adults alike. Its partnership with the University of Sydney strengthens its reputation as a research and teaching institution, preparing the next generation of wildlife veterinarians and conservationists.
Conservation education is embedded in every visit. The zoo’s outreach programs—such as Bilby Week, Keeper for a Day, and the Citizen Science FrogID app—engage tens of thousands of Australians annually. Its collaboration with organizations like Taronga Conservation Society Australia and the IUCN furthers its impact across borders, especially in projects involving rhinos, elephants, and amphibians.
Equally important is the zoo’s environmental commitment. As part of Taronga’s broader vision to be carbon-neutral by 2030, the Dubbo site has already achieved a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015. It uses solar-powered safari carts, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping—all detailed during their eco-tours in collaboration with Sustainable Australia. These sustainability features also educate visitors about reducing their environmental impact through interactive digital kiosks scattered across the grounds.
For those looking to plan their journey, the zoo is easily accessible and family-friendly. It offers a range of accommodations through Zoofari Lodge and seasonal packages from Wotif, TripAdvisor, and Dubbo Regional Council. With more than 4,000 animals and over 350 species represented, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo is not just a destination—but a mission to protect wildlife and inspire generations.
Wild Encounters in the Heart of NSW
Close-Up with Giants: The African Elephant Experience
At Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo, one of the most breathtaking encounters is with the African elephants. This species, facing severe threats in the wild, finds refuge in the 300-hectare open-range sanctuary. With just over 400,000 African elephants remaining globally, their care at this zoo is vital.
Feeding and Training Sessions
Visitors can watch as keepers feed and conduct enrichment sessions, emphasizing the zoo’s focus on both animal well-being and public education. These sessions occur daily at 11 AM.
Conservation Through Connection
These up-close moments help bridge emotional connections, making conservation personal. Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo leverages this to support anti-poaching efforts through the Taronga Foundation.
Photography Opportunities and Safety
Photo areas are located at safe distances. The zoo has implemented a 3-meter buffer zone and trained staff at all key spots to ensure both visitor and animal safety.
Interactive Signage and Learning
Each enclosure includes digital touchpoints with facts, conservation tips, and videos. These receive over 2,000 interactions daily.
Roaming with Rhinos: A Safari to Remember
Home to both white and black rhinoceroses, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo houses 16 individuals, part of one of the most successful breeding programs in Australasia.
Ride the Safari Cart
The 6.2-km circuit allows visitors to explore rhino territories via bike, cart, or car. Safari cart passes start at $15.
The Threat of Extinction
With only 5,000 black rhinos left in the wild, the zoo’s involvement in genetic preservation and habitat replication is critical.
Behavioral Enrichment and Rhino Spa Days
Mud wallows and scent trails provide mental stimulation. The zoo rotates 20+ enrichment tools monthly.
Global Collaboration
As part of the International Rhino Foundation, the zoo channels 10% of rhino tour profits to support anti-poaching in South Africa.
The Lion’s Roar: Kings of the Savannah
A pride of five African lions commands a massive savannah exhibit at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Each lion consumes roughly 6 kg of meat daily.
Feeding Time Showdown
Visitors witness the feeding ritual at 2 PM, observing dominance behavior and group dynamics.
Conservation Messaging
With lion populations falling below 20,000 in the wild, the zoo’s storytelling focuses on community-based conservation in Kenya and Namibia.
Unique Overnight Roar & Snore
The zoo’s “Roar & Snore” camping experience allows guests to sleep near the lion habitat. Packages start at $275 per person.
Lion Keeper Talks
These sessions include demonstrations of target training and medical care routines.
A Giraffe’s Eye View
Towering over the plains, giraffes offer a panoramic highlight at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The zoo currently cares for eight giraffes, including calves born in 2023.
Giraffe Feeding Platforms
Daily feeding sessions at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM allow guests to hand-feed with supervision.
Giraffe Cam and Digital Access
A live-stream giraffe cam attracts 1.3 million views annually.
Giraffe Conservation Efforts
Donations collected through encounters go to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, active in 15 African nations.
Educational Workshops for Kids
Workshops teach about giraffe anatomy and conservation. They run every school holiday and draw 500+ kids each term.
Primates on Patrol: Monkey Business with a Mission
Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo showcases primates including ring-tailed lemurs and siamangs. These intelligent animals demonstrate remarkable social behaviors.
The Lemur Walk-Through Exhibit
One of the most interactive spaces, this area allows visitors to walk among lemurs. Entry is limited to groups of 20 per session.
Primate Playgrounds
The zoo features multi-tiered structures with vines and enrichment puzzles rotated biweekly.
Endangered and Evolving
With 95% of lemur species endangered, the zoo highlights habitat loss through interactive signage and QR-linked videos.
Visitor Participation in Enrichment
Guests can join workshops to create puzzle feeders or scent bags, part of the zoo’s “Enrichment in Action” program.
Cheetah Speed Demonstrations
Known for speed, the zoo’s cheetahs captivate audiences in daily sprints reaching up to 110 km/h.
Track & Chase Presentation
These take place at 3 PM using mechanical lures.
Agility and Conservation Combined
The zoo explains the cheetah’s plight—fewer than 7,000 remain worldwide.
Breed and Release Programs
Although not native to Australia, the zoo aids international breeding programs through studbook contributions.
Children’s Safari Journals
Free journals let kids track cheetah stats and earn stamps as they learn conservation facts.
Meerkat Mayhem: Tiny Guardians of the Desert
The ever-popular meerkat mob delights all ages. Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo hosts two mobs of 10 individuals.
360-Degree Viewing Dome
Kids can crawl into domes built into the habitat for up-close peeks.
Meerkat Keeper Q&A
Learn about diet, hierarchy, and alert behavior at 12 PM talks.
Conservation through Curiosity
The zoo’s meerkat program emphasizes desert adaptation and species interdependence.
Zoo Pals Adoption Program
Guests can symbolically adopt a meerkat, with over 1,000 adoptions yearly funding environmental education.
Conservation in Action: Behind the Scenes at Taronga
Breeding Success: The Przewalski’s Horse Revival
Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo is one of the few global locations breeding Przewalski’s horses—an endangered Mongolian species. Only 2,000 exist worldwide.
Breeding Center Operations
The zoo operates a behind-the-scenes stable zone to minimize stress.
DNA Monitoring
Genetic diversity is maintained via a global studbook system.
Reintroduction Milestones
In 2018, the zoo celebrated the release of 12 horses into Mongolia’s Khomyn Tal Reserve.
Educating About Ecosystems
The zoo links breeding success to wider ecosystem restoration and soil health.
The Bilby Bunker: Saving a National Icon
The bilby, a nocturnal marsupial, is critically endangered with less than 10,000 in the wild. Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers a state-of-the-art nocturnal exhibit to protect them.
Controlled Breeding and Habitat Simulation
Light, temperature, and humidity are computer-controlled for bilby well-being.
Public Awareness Through Bilby Week
Held every April, this initiative reaches over 50,000 Australian school kids.
Community Conservation
The zoo works with local councils to reduce feral predator populations in Dubbo and surrounds.
Bilby Monitoring App
Visitors can join the “Spot a Bilby” citizen science initiative via the zoo’s app.
Medical Marvels: The Wildlife Hospital
Serving over 400 animals annually, the on-site hospital at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo is essential for wildlife survival.
Surgeries and Neonatal Care
Recent operations include prosthetic beak repairs for injured parrots and C-sections for kangaroos.
Training Future Vets
The zoo partners with the University of Sydney to train wildlife veterinary students.
Green Tech for Healing
Solar panels and a rainwater capture system reduce the facility’s footprint.
Live Surgery Broadcasts
Educational live streams are shared with over 100 schools each term.
Saving the Tasmanian Devil from Extinction
With Devil Facial Tumor Disease wiping out 80% of wild populations, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo established a breeding program in 2006.
Quarantine Measures and Biosecurity
Strict protocols ensure no disease transmission among colonies.
Tracking with GPS Collars
Reintroduced devils are monitored using satellite technology.
Breeding Success Rates
The zoo achieved a record 92% birth success rate in 2023.
Devil Discovery Walks
Nighttime walks allow guests to observe natural behaviors.
Amphibian Ark: Protecting Australia’s Frogs
Australia has over 240 frog species, with many endangered. The zoo’s frog facility houses 60+ individuals.
Controlled Breeding Rooms
Frogs are raised in climate-specific tanks mimicking wet/dry seasons.
Global Collaboration
The zoo works with Amphibian Ark and IUCN’s Conservation Planning Specialist Group.
Interactive Tours for Kids
Tours explain the frog’s role in ecosystems. Over 8,000 children attend annually.
Citizen Reporting via Audio Apps
Visitors can record frog calls and upload data through the “FrogID” app.
Keeper for a Day: Educating Future Wildlife Protectors
This immersive program at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo brings guests into the daily life of animal care staff.
Daily Tasks and Behind-the-Scenes Access
Participants feed, clean, and enrich various species’ habitats.
Ages and Availability
The program is available for ages 12 and up, runs year-round, and sells out months in advance.
Inspiration and Career Pathways
Over 70% of participants say it inspired them to pursue environmental work.
Program Revenue to Wildlife Hospital
100% of profits support the zoo’s medical programs.
Climate Resilience in Zoo Design
Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo adapts enclosures to climate extremes with features like shade sails, misters, and drought-tolerant plants.
Water Management and Recycling
Over 80% of the zoo’s water is recycled through advanced filtration.
Carbon-Neutral Operations Goal by 2030
The zoo has already cut emissions by 45% since 2015.
Solar-Powered Safari Carts
Half of the safari fleet now runs on solar-charged batteries.
Visitor Education through Green Stations
Interactive kiosks show guests how to reduce their carbon footprint.
